The call
Start with old Fashioned or sazerac or tater tots, and check the restaurant’s current menu before you go.
What to order
- Old Fashioned
- Sazerac
- Tater tots
Best for
- Whiskey cocktails
- A low-key rooftop spot
Cocktails · Pizza
The Nolen
A low-key rooftop whiskey-cocktail bar above a Gaslamp hotel; Roger says the list is smaller than Whiskey House or Aero's but the Old Fashioned or Sazerac still hits, alongside tasty tater tots.
From Roger’s camera roll
More photos from The Nolen
Posted 2016-10-15 
Posted 2017-02-12 
Posted 2018-05-24
From Roger’s Foursquare
Roger’s tips on The Nolen
Tons of good whiskey based cocktails!
Posted
On Roger’s lists: Guide to San Diego's best spots, Crafted Cocktails, SD Rooftops, SD's Rooftop Bars.
Source-backed notes
Visit history
Checked in 18 times on Yelp and Swarm, most recently Nov 11, 2024. See the check-in log
2019-08-26day precision · source explicit
“a damn good Old Fashioned or Sazerac”
Roger enjoyed the whiskey cocktail selection, calling out a solid Old Fashioned or Sazerac and the tater tots, and liked the low-key rooftop location above the hotel.
Stay in the neighborhood
More in Gaslamp.
RecommendedPrice varies
Gaslamp
Taqueria Los Chuchys
MexicanTacos
A family-owned Gaslamp taqueria Roger calls a great substitute for El Gordo, with more generous portions and carne asada, adobada, and birria all on point.
- From the order notes
- Carne asada · Adobada · Birria
- Go for
- Tacos near the Gaslamp · A family-run alternative to El Gordo
Latest recorded visit2019
RecommendedPrice varies
Gaslamp
Parfait Paris
FrenchBakery
A Gaslamp French bakery Roger liked for its selection of sweets — macarons, pastries, and even a sour beer.
- From the order notes
- Macarons · Pastries
- Go for
- Gaslamp sweets stop
Latest recorded visit2015-05-28
Worth tryingPrice varies
Gaslamp
Prohibition
A Gaslamp speakeasy behind an unmarked law-office-style entrance that Roger says has lost some exclusivity since dropping reservations, but still pours top-notch, well-crafted cocktails if you arrive before the evening crowd and live band.
- From the order notes
- Go for
- Cocktails before the 8-9pm crowd
Latest recorded visit2015-03-20
Keep exploring
More like this.
Browse the Cocktails page, or continue to another place with a matching cuisine.
Worth tryingPrice varies
Little Italy
Nolita Hall
PizzaCocktails
A Little Italy pizza-and-cocktails hall where Roger found the pizza cooked just right and the whiskey drinks on point, but the salad too salty.
- From the order notes
- Pizza · Whiskey cocktails
- Go for
- Drinks with a pizza · Late dinner
Latest recorded visit2018 · approx.
RecommendedPrice varies
University Heights
Swan Bar
CocktailsBurgers
Roger's backup for well-made cocktails when Polite Provisions is packed, plus a smash burger he said rivals The Friendly's.
- From the order notes
- Cocktails · Smash burger
- Go for
- Well-made cocktails · A smash burger with drinks
Latest recorded visit2023